Posts from the ‘Music’ Category

I was immediately sold on Marian Hill’s R&B track, “Got It,” the second I heard the trembling saxophone. With the right amount of horns, thumping bass, and Samantha Gongol’s slow, steady verses, “Got It” is jazzy, seedy and all kinds of sexy. The Philly-based duo describes themselves as electronic pop but they are all sultry rhythm and blues, as is evidenced by “Got It.” They do blend in their computerized skills, synthesizing sounds and creating razor sharp stop-and-go moments, but it works amazingly well with the organic sax blazing through the track. This is that late night, smoky jazz club music. Enjoy.

To The Wedding creates such mellow, soothing melodies, it melts all your worries and surroundings like wax. To The Wedding is a one woman show – Lauren Grubb – who brings in a guest here and there for a little guitar assistance. Her recent EP, Silver Currents, is in no rush to go anywhere. Each track is perfectly content to just occupy the space it’s in. “Come On,” the first song off the EP, is the textbook definition of shoegaze. Let it occupy your space for a little while. Enjoy.

I haven’t posted nearly enough Trails and Ways through the run of EWH. Every track released by this foursome has an intangible charm and warmth. Whether they are spouting lyrics in English or Spanish, it’s easy to feel connected to what they produce. They are pretty balanced in the amount of original work and covers that are released into the digital world. Although their cover of Miguel’s “Sure Thing” is one of their older releases, it’s still catchy and a great interpretation of this 2011 R&B track. Enjoy.

There is something so honest, so engaging about “Getting It On” by Sales. The Florida duo released their first EP back in September, full of acoustic, simply constructed melodies. In a world where synth is king, it’s refreshing to hear a group so bare in its instrumentals and so intent on exposing emotions in the simplest manner. “Getting It On” is disarming in its intimacy and gets better with every listen. So keep listening. Enjoy.

The reinvention of Mr Twin Sister (adding the Mr this year) has resulted in a restrained, more sultry R&B self-titled sophomore album. One standout from the second record is “Blush,” a simple, 70s throwback R&B/soul track that doesn’t crescendo, switch tempo or force in any catchy hooks. It’s just a patient, beautifully crafted track that proves the band’s new identity fits like a glove. Enjoy.

It is no secret that I was floored by Shrines, Purity Ring’s 2013 debut album. It was dark, sharp, complex synth pop with southern rap beats thumping through most of the record. Just yesterday, Purity Ring unveiled their new track, “Push Pull.” The lighter feel and the absence of those deep beats from the dirty south can be heard immediately and may herald a newer, more accessible pop sound for the duo. Even if this is a departure from what what Purity Ring previously mastered, it appears their creativity in lyrics and orchestration remains intact. “Push Pull” may be more digestible for the masses but it still has the signature of a matured pop group ready to expand into new terrain.

Blackbird Blackbird aka Mikey Maramag has been churning out chill, spacey indie tracks for the past few years. What’s incredibly impressive is that this young solo artist has produced a wealth of unique, creative music all on his own. His recent single, “Love Unlimited,” further explores his patient, spacey music style with hollowed vocals, soft synths and a pronounced, hypnotic guitar riff. Enjoy.